No talks in 2nd day of faculty strikes

Pennsylvania’s higher education system said it had no official contract talks with its union Thursday, but said negotiators still were looking for a way forward during the second day of strikes by faculty members across 14 state universities.

Kenn Marshall, spokesman for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, said its most recent offer to union leadership was “considerably different” from previous proposals and that its negotiators continue to want a fair settlement.

“Even though there are no formal negotiating sessions underway, the State System is working hard to find a path forward,” Marshall said.

Marshall did not provide specifics on any steps the state’s negotiators are taking, but said the system circulated a list of “myth busters” in an attempt to debunk untrue claims.

Union President Ken Mash stood outside the system chancellor’s office building Thursday afternoon in Harrisburg to push for a resumption of contract talks.

“If they want to come out right now and negotiate, we’re willing to go ahead and do that,” Mash said. “But, I don’t want to be totally unfair either, because they do have my cellphone number, so if they want to call later on and say that they’re ready to negotiate, we’re ready to do that too.”

The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties said professors will remain off the job until a new contract is reached.

On Tuesday, the state system gave the union what it said was its final offer, and then withdrew from bargaining.